The Ministry of Culture concludes the documentation of intangible cultural heritage in Al-Ahsa
The Saudi Ministry of Culture announced the completion of its ambitious project to inventory, document, and archive the intangible cultural heritage of Al-Ahsa Governorate. This culminates intensive field and research efforts aimed at preserving this rich heritage from extinction. The announcement was made during a concluding workshop held in the governorate, which brought together a select group of experts, local practitioners, and representatives of relevant organizations to review the project's outcomes and discuss ways to ensure its sustainability.
Comprehensive field survey of Al-Ahsa's treasures
The project was based on meticulous field surveys covering various cities and villages in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, where specialized teams worked to monitor and document diverse elements of intangible heritage. This documentation included inherited oral traditions, popular performing arts for which the region is known, such as the Ardah and Samri dances, as well as skills related to traditional handicrafts, social practices during celebrations and holidays, and folk knowledge related to nature and agriculture, particularly those concerning palm trees and irrigation.
Al-Ahsa: A historical depth and global standing
The selection of Al-Ahsa for this project is not arbitrary; the province possesses significant historical and cultural weight on both regional and international levels. The Al-Ahsa Oasis is the largest palm oasis in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an evolving cultural landscape. Al-Ahsa is also a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts. This historical depth has made the province a rich repository of intangible heritage, shaped over thousands of years by its strategic location as a trade and pilgrimage route, thus enriching its cultural diversity.
The importance of documentation in the digital age
This project is of paramount importance given the rapid changes the world is witnessing, as intangible heritage faces the risk of being forgotten with the passing of elders and traditional practitioners. Hence, the Ministry of Culture's initiative to digitize this heritage is not only for preservation but also to make it accessible to future generations and researchers, thereby strengthening national identity and connecting young people to their cultural roots.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This cultural movement falls within the objectives of the National Cultural Strategy, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on strengthening and showcasing Saudi identity to the world. Documenting Al-Ahsa's heritage contributes to supporting the Kingdom's efforts with international organizations and boosting cultural tourism, a vital economic driver, transforming heritage from mere memory into a sustainable development resource.
The workshop concluded with the presentation of detailed reports on digital archiving work, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation between official institutions and the local community to ensure that these arts and crafts remain alive and renewed.
